OPEN HOUSE: What church is meant to be

Before our wedding we agreed together that our home (which we didn't have at the time) was to be an open place.

We wanted our family to be a safe space and our house a refuge for anyone who needed it.

Over the years we have had people stay for weeks, months and even years with us. At the moment we have 9 in our bungalow with its blue attic roofing. It looks small from the outside but somehow God expands the space within and our family changes shape and size.

When we moved in a dear friend prayed it would be like a cathedral and it seems to have housed many for different seasons. We want all those who pass in through our door to feel welcome. That they belong and we value them among us.

As we have lost much in this Covid-19 life shift I find myself realising that this is what church is really meant to be; open families, open doors, open tables; living, sharing, loving, listening, learning, adapting.

This is the place where we grow the most; side by side, rubbing edges with differences & challenges, practicing kindness and patience as a lifestyle, making choices that stretch beyond ourselves.

This is where we are forced to live out the walk 24-7 and take responsibility without excuses or hiding.

This is where words & actions matter and how we learn the true meaning of family!

Sometimes it is messy.

Sometimes I am disappointed, failing, weary and grossly aware of my evident weaknesses that leak out in untimely frequency ....but it is still safe and we are all still loved.

The mistakes do not define us but serve as part of the emerging design as we clean up the spills together extending compassion (and hugs) and are reminded in humility that we all are in need of grace.